Loudoun County Theft Lawyer

The classification or type of theft that you are charged with and the potential penalties you face are based on the circumstances of the alleged crime, including the value of the stolen goods or items. Therefore, stealing from a victim who is not present at the time of the crime, or a burglary, is not viewed with the same severity as thefts that involve violence and direct confrontation with the victim, such as armed robbery. To determine the severity of the charge you face, and your best legal defense, speak with a well-qualified Loudoun County theft lawyer. Your criminal defense attorney should have experience in defending clients against a variety of theft-related charges and he should have a strong understanding of the Loudoun County court system.

Loudoun Theft Lawyers Handle These Cases

Theft crimes in Loudoun County, Virginia can range from simple shoplifting to armed robbery and even embezzlement. Penalties and fines upon conviction can be serious and having a theft-related charge on your criminal record can have many other disastrous consequences. Prospective employers aren’t likely to give any consideration to a job candidate with a criminal record, particularly those involving theft offenses. It can be equally difficult to secure university admission, rental agreements, and loans from banks or other financial institutions. Those convicted of theft offenses quickly find themselves ostracized, often for many years.

Petit Larceny

Petit larceny involves the theft of property valued at less than $500 and it is a misdemeanor offense. An example of a petit larceny crime would be shoplifting. Penalties for this Class 1 misdemeanor can include up one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. See Code Section 18.2-96. Repeat petit larceny convictions can result in more serious penalties. See Code Section 18.2-11.

Grand Larceny

Grand larceny applies to stolen goods valued at value of $500 or more and is charged as a felony offense in Virginia. As a Loudoun County theft lawyer can explain, penalties can range from one to 20 years in prison, unless the judge or jury opts to reduce the penalty at their discretion. A fine of up to $2,500 may be included. See Virginia Code Section 18.2-95. Like burglary, the penalties may increase substantially if there are enhancements added to the grand larceny charge, such as the presence of a gun, or if you have suffered similar convictions in the past.

Burglary

Burglary is Class 3 felony that may result in up five to 20 years in prison. As previously noted, it generally involves the theft of money or goods without confrontation. If, however, you are accused of being armed at the time of the crime, you could face additional time in prison. In such an instance, that five to 20-year penalty could turn into 20 years to life in prison. See Virginia Code Section 18.2-10(b)

Robbery

Robbery involves the crime of theft and the use of force or violence or the threat of violence in any of the following ways:

• Overt violence – the act of choking, beating or striking the victim
• Assault – making the victim in fear of serious bodily harm
• Brandishing a gun or deadly weapon in a threatening manner

As a Loudoun County theft lawyer can attest, robbery is classified as a felony in Virginia and, as such, can result in extensive prison time, from five years to life behind bars.

Carjacking, Vehicle Burglary, and Auto Theft

Stealing a vehicle can be classified as a property crime or a crime against a person, depending on whether the owner of the vehicle was confronted in the commission of the crime.

If someone breaks into a parked vehicle and steals the car, they will likely face a charge of auto theft. Carjacking, which involves confronting the driver of the vehicle and taking the vehicle by force is a far more serious felony offense and can result in equally serious penalties, including the possibility of 15 years to life in prison. See Code Section 18.2-58.1.

Embezzlement/Fraud

Embezzlement is essentially the commission of financial fraud. Those charged with embezzlement are accused of stealing funds or assets that they were entrusted with or gained access to by fraudulent means. Embezzlement may encompass any amount of money or valuable goods. It can involve sophisticated schemes and, in certain circumstances, allegations of criminal conspiracy. Embezzlement is a felony charge that can result in multiple counts and, if numerous counts are found to be true, can result in extensive prison time and crippling fines and restitution orders.

Contact a Loudoun County Theft Lawyer

No attorney can guarantee the outcome of a case. However, having an experienced criminal defense attorney with a track record of success defending against theft offenses in Loudoun County puts you at a distinct advantage when crafting the strongest possible defense. A Loudoun County theft attorney can provide aggressive and comprehensive defense strategies for those charged in Loudoun County and throughout the Commonwealth. Call our Virginia office today to schedule a free, initial consultation.